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stales
(Survivor (Greater than 20 years))| Communities: Breast Cancer | Answers: 1 |
| Member Since: Jul. 2011 |
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Personal Bio (My story)
I'm an engineer by education, so sometimes I think it's easier to explain my cancer experience by the numbers:
I've had Hodgkin's disease once, Breast Cancer twice. I was a 20 year old college sophomore, fighting my way through cancer for the 1st time. To diagnose the Hodgkin's, I had every major organ in my abdominal region biopsied, a section of my hip removed, my spleen removed, and for good measure, I let the doctors take out my appendix too. To treat the Hodgkin’s, I had 18 weeks of radiation and 9 rounds of chemo therapy. My chemo regime had 4 drugs. I still have 21 little blue radiation tattoos used to mark the radiation field on my body. I lost all my hair and lost a ton of weight. It took close to 3 years to battle through the Hodgkin’s.
At the age of 33, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. I had one lumpectomy and 5 intense days of Mammosite Radiation. For two years, I dealt with horrific side effects from “the anticancer drug” Tamoxifen – dry eyes, night sweats, bone pain, weight gain, migraines, insomnia, fevers… Sometimes, the cure is worse than the disease. Last November, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time and I opted for major surgery - a double mastectomy. I had my thyroid removed during that surgery too. In total, I had 3 separate courses of radiation, 1 course of chemo, 8 major surgeries, and 1 bone marrow biopsy. Whew…
I'm walking proof that super glue and duct tape works wonders.
But in case you want to know... I can still hit a golf ball 250 yards on a good day... bad day, maybe 235.
I've had Hodgkin's disease once, Breast Cancer twice. I was a 20 year old college sophomore, fighting my way through cancer for the 1st time. To diagnose the Hodgkin's, I had every major organ in my abdominal region biopsied, a section of my hip removed, my spleen removed, and for good measure, I let the doctors take out my appendix too. To treat the Hodgkin’s, I had 18 weeks of radiation and 9 rounds of chemo therapy. My chemo regime had 4 drugs. I still have 21 little blue radiation tattoos used to mark the radiation field on my body. I lost all my hair and lost a ton of weight. It took close to 3 years to battle through the Hodgkin’s.
At the age of 33, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. I had one lumpectomy and 5 intense days of Mammosite Radiation. For two years, I dealt with horrific side effects from “the anticancer drug” Tamoxifen – dry eyes, night sweats, bone pain, weight gain, migraines, insomnia, fevers… Sometimes, the cure is worse than the disease. Last November, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time and I opted for major surgery - a double mastectomy. I had my thyroid removed during that surgery too. In total, I had 3 separate courses of radiation, 1 course of chemo, 8 major surgeries, and 1 bone marrow biopsy. Whew…
I'm walking proof that super glue and duct tape works wonders.
But in case you want to know... I can still hit a golf ball 250 yards on a good day... bad day, maybe 235.
Personal Info
Location: MA, Boston
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Married/partnered relationship
Ethnicity:
White
Speaks:
English
Webpage:
www.awesomecancersurvivor.com
Ask me about:
Anything!
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/stales
stales Activities
This is an excellent question. When I was initially diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in 1991, I was only 20 years old. I was very concerned about my dating life. When I finished my treatment and was ready to head back to college, I had an in-depth conversation with my radiation oncologist about this very subject. He gave me some incredible advice. He said: "Be as open and honest as you can about your cancer experience. You will find that this scares some people away. Your relationships with friends might change after a cancer diagnosis. Keep in mind, this reflects on them, not you. If people choose to walk away from a friendship or relationship with you because you are a cancer survivor, you don't want them in your life. As hard as that might be to accept, you need to recognize that there are many people out there that will accept you for who you are, don't forget that."
I've always remembered this conversation and great advice! I agree with Jackie and CancerHawk -- don't waste your time on people that are not accepting of you and your experiences!
p.s. I just got married last year! My husband's been by my side for my two battles with breast cancer.
I've always remembered this conversation and great advice! I agree with Jackie and CancerHawk -- don't waste your time on people that are not accepting of you and your experiences!
p.s. I just got married last year! My husband's been by my side for my two battles with breast cancer.
New answer by stales (Survivor (Greater than 20 years)) in topic(s) Survivorship, Breast Cancer, Dating, Life After Cancer, Cancer
3
Answers |
1 year ago
stales (Survivor (Greater than 20 years)) asked the question in topic(s) Surgery Decisions, Breast Reconstruction, Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Breast Cancer Decisions
1
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1 year ago
stales (Survivor (Greater than 20 years)) asked the question in topic(s) Long Term Survivor, Radiation, Radiation Treatment, Radiation Oncology, Monitoring, Cancer
1
Answer |
1 year ago
What's the likelihood of developing secondary skin cancers in the area that was previously radiated?
stales (Survivor (Greater than 20 years)) asked the question in topic(s) Radiation Side Effects, Radiation, Secondary Cancers, Radiation Treatment, Skin Cancer, Side Effects, Radiation Oncology
1
Answer |
1 year ago
stales (Survivor (Greater than 20 years)) asked the question in topic(s) Aquafor, Mederma, Vitamin E Cream, Radiation, Lotion, Aloe Vera, Radiation Treatment, Skin Cream, Topical Cream, Silvadene Cream, Biafine, Skin Care
4
Answers |
1 year ago
stales (Survivor (Greater than 20 years)) asked the question in topic(s) Long Term Survivor, Survivorship, Breast Cancer, Guidelines, Survivor, Cancer, Follow-up Guidelines
2
Answers |
1 year ago
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